Federal Minister for Environment agrees to assessment of Western Green Energy Hub project.
• WGEH project will be assessed and require approval under the EPBC Act.
• Assessed as a controlled action, through an Environmental Impact Statement.
• Strategy will avoid significant impacts and provide detailed studies and new data.
• Significant WGEH capacity recognised with approval of Federal Major Project Status
Following submission of its environmental referral, and the agency and Ministerial review of these, WGEH Pty Ltd (WGEH) has been informed that the Federal Minister for Environment has agreed to the assessment of the WGEH project under the EPBC Act.
Due to the presence of protected matters in the project area, WGEH will be assessed as a controlled action, with specific controlling provisions to guide the assessment.
The assessment method will be an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which is consistent with the Public Environmental Review level prescribed by the Western Australian EPA.
CEO Dr Ray Macdonald said, “We are fully supportive of the Minister’s decision and the further prescriptive assessment work that is now to be undertaken”.
“Our project is complex and extensive, and it is important that we have a complete understanding of the species, ecosystems and other values that are protected or particularly sensitive”.
“Advanced studies will guide our primary avoidance strategy, meaning significant areas can be totally avoided and buffer zones introduced to ensure we have no physical overlay nor impact”.
The Western Australian Nullarbor has not been studied in detail and is often under- represented in State and Federal data sources. The continuing investigative work conducted by WGEH will add significant value to these.
The WGEH project will also have the capacity to make a significant difference locally, regionally and nationally, as well as position Australia globally in the emerging green hydrogen sector.
This capacity has recently been recognised by the Federal Minister for Industry and Science, who has granted Major Project Status for the WGEH project, particularly the alignment to the Future Made in Australia plan and a contribution towards the National Hydrogen Strategy.
Dr Macdonald said “WGEH will generate clean energy without negative environmental effects”.
“The WGEH project aligns with both the State and Commonwealth hydrogen strategies and our prospects have been bolstered by the Australian Government’s announcement of the A$ 22.7 billion “Future Made in Australia” initiative, including a $2 per kg renewable Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive and a clear focus on the renewable hydrogen and e-fuels sectors.”
“Our Stage 1 FID and financial close is presently scheduled for 2029, giving us the lead time to both frame our investment options and undertake nominated advanced studies.”
Media contact
Andy Munro 0419 858 121
